Team Herald
MARGAO: The deteriorating state of the Manora-Raia road came under renewed scrutiny on Tuesday after a truck toppled off the damaged stretch, leaving locals both shocked and angered by the authorities’ inaction.
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Local MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco has assured that repairs will commence within 15 days, pledging to prioritise quality construction over the substandard work of the past.
“The road’s poor condition has been a ticking time bomb for years, yet both the MLA and local officials remain indifferent,” said Joao Paulo Fernandes, a local resident and AAP member.
He criticised the prolonged neglect, adding, “Are they waiting for a major tragedy to occur? The broken promises of road repairs and safety measures are now clear, with incidents like these becoming more frequent.”
Fernandes urged swift action to prevent further accidents, warning, “Let this accident be a wake-up call to those in power.
The residents of Manora-Raia will not tolerate this negligence any longer.”
Responding to the outrage, MLA Lourenco emphasised his proactive efforts to address the issue. “All necessary approvals have been secured, and a work order was issued in November. I am personally ensuring the quality of the road and coordinating with departments to avoid future disruptions,” he said.
Acknowledging past shortcomings, Lourenco assured residents that inferior materials like duplicate tar would no longer be used. “This time, we’re committed to building quality roads. Some of my opponents are making baseless allegations to claim credit for the work, but my focus is on delivering results,” he added.
